James Hammill Francis Hammill

James Francis Hammill

James Francis Hammill passed away suddenly at the age of 81 in Helena, Montana. Born in Philadelphia, Jim was the oldest of seven children and moved around the United States in his

youth as his father, a US Army physician, was transferred from base to base. The family eventually settled in Bergen County, NJ and Jim graduated from Don Bosco High School in Ramsey in 1961. He played football at Don Bosco and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He made connections there with staff and classmates that he continued to nurture up until his death.

Jim graduated with honors from Boston College in 1965 with a Bachelor's Degree in History. In 1968, he received his JD degree from Columbia University Law School in New York City. He met his future bride, Patricia McCarthy Hammill at Boston College where she was also a student. Jim and Pat married in Boston on July 20th, 1968. They began their married life in Hackensack, NJ where Jim served as a law clerk to two New Jersey Superior Court judges.

After his clerkship, Jim joined the law firm of McCarter & English in Newark, NJ, the oldest and largest law firm in the state. Jim served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the US District Court for the District of New Jersey sitting at Camden, NJ from 1980 to 1983. He returned to McCarter and English and finished his career as a partner in the firm, having opened their Cherry Hill office. Jim and Pat enjoyed raising their boys in Moorestown, NJ during this time.

Always the adventurers, Jim and Pat decided to come West and moved to the Helena area in 2001. They lived in Montana City initially. Jim always wanted big views and large decks. After a few years they decided they really missed the chance to be near a lake or river. They found a beautiful spot on Lake Creek in Troy, Montana. After going back and forth for several years, they decided to move there permanently. In 2019, they moved back to Clancy, Montana.

Jim was first and foremost a great husband and father. He was so proud of all his sons and daughters-in-law and grandchildren. He loved being a grandpa. Central to his life was his Roman Catholic faith and his devotion to God. In whatever community he resided, the Church was a central part of his public and private life and he leaned on his faith in many of life's most difficult decisions. Whether in his professional career, his family life, or his personal relationships, this faith anchored him and guided all that he did.

He also found time for membership in numerous civic organizations and clubs. He was a former president of the Burlington County NJ Bar Association, a founding member of the Moorestown Rotary Breakfast Club, a member and former President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Helena, a board chairman of Good Samaritan Ministries in Helena, and was Chair of the North Jefferson County Library System. In his retirement, he was a Hospice Volunteer and helped many people in their final years. He also volunteered ferrying books between the Clancy and Boulder libraries. He was never without a good book to read! An avid weightlifter, Jim enjoyed staying fit and was always experimenting with new new lifting programs and provided mentoring to younger powerlifters coming into the sport.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. James F. Hammill and Francesmary Hammill. He was also predeceased by an infant son, James F. Hammill III who passed away in 1969. He is

survived by his three sons: James Patrick Hammill of Helena, MT, Michael G. Hammill (Susan) of Flemington, NJ, and grandchildren Lydia and Audrey, and Matthew J. Hammill (Youmie) of Tully, NY and grandchildren Elise and Luke. He is also survived by his six brothers and sisters: Joan Glassner (Dr. Norman) of Juno Beach, FL, Dr. Hunter Hammill of Houston, TX, Alice Holahan (John) of Poolesville, MD, Vivian Hammill (Linda Sandman) of Montana City, MT, Eileen Reeve (Gus) of St. Augustine, FL, and Patricia Sabo of Congers, NY. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The Hammill family would like to thank the first responders who came to Jim's assistance.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1110, East Helena, MT 59635 or to Options Clinic, 1005 Partridge Place, Suite 1, Helena, MT 59602 or a charity of your choice. Condolences can also be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.

A viewing for James will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2024 from 4-5pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. The funeral mass will be on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 12pm at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W Riggs St., East Helena, MT 59635. A reception following the mass will be held at the church.